Syndergaard sharp in debut

Mets' 21-year-old pitcher allows Braves one hit in his two scoreless innings

Associated Press

Associated Press

Published 10:07 pm, Monday, March 3, 2014

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL - MARCH 03: Noah Syndergaard #55 of the New York Mets looks towards first base during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium on March 3, 2014 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 475778515

The 21-year-old Syndergaard struck out leadoff hitter Jason Heyward on a 98 mph fastball and fanned Evan Gattis on three fastballs to start the second. The right-hander allowed just one hit over two scoreless innings.

"That's a lot of weight coming off my shoulders right there," Syndergaard said of striking out Heyward. "I feel like I'm pitching to my strengths, and one of them is being able to locate my fastball really well. It was very encouraging, because I know that lineup is a real big threat. It's got a lot of thunder."

Syndergaard, acquired from Toronto as part of the trade for R.A. Dickey last year, is projected to start the season with Triple-A Las Vegas, but he has already shown his potential.

"He's got all the traits of the good ones," said Mets manager Terry Collins, who has been as impressed with Syndergaard's composure as with his stuff. "He's going to be a really, really good pitcher. He's on track to be special."

In contrast, Braves starter Freddy Garcia, 37, used an assortment of mostly slow stuff to retire nine straight Mets, three on strikeouts.

Heyward, Atlanta's right fielder, threw out a runner at the plate to preserve a scoreless fifth inning for closer Craig Kimbrel, but the Mets scored five times off minor-leaguers in the ninth for their first spring victory.

In other Mets news, Mike Piazza is back with the team, working as a spring training instructor.

The 12-time All-Star is tutoring Travis d'Arnaud and the team's other catchers. He says "This is fun for me."

Yankees: David Robertson pitched a scoreless fourth inning in his first appearance as the Yankees' new closer in New York's 4-2 victory over the Washington Nationals in Tampa, Fla. Robertson hit the first batter he faced, Danny Espinosa, then induced a double-play grounder by Tyler Moore to shortstop Derek Jeter, who fielded a tough-hop grounder. Robertson is replacing career saves leader Mariano Rivera, who retired after last season. Jeter went 0-for-3, including a double-play grounder. He is hitless in seven at-bats over three spring training games. The Yankees captain broke an ankle in the 2012 American League Championship Series and played in only 17 games last season.

Padres: San Diego Padres outfielder Cameron Maybin will miss 2-3 months after suffering a ruptured left biceps tendon. Maybin, who had an MRI on Monday, left Sunday's game after making a diving catch against the Los Angeles Dodgers.